An art exhibition in Tehran, which was opened for public on 9 August, highlights global environmental challenges, focuses on the interconnected issues of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. These pressing concerns collectively represent the triple planetary crisis that our world is facing today.This exhibition is organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the partnership of Ech Art Gallery and ArtUnity. The exhibition brings together 18 artists and 36 works of art. Visitors will encounter thought-provoking pieces – with accompanied information and statistics – that challenge us to reflect on our relationship with nature and our role in its conservation and preservation. These powerful artworks are more than just visual experiences; they are calls to action, urging us to acknowledge the severity of our environmental challenges as a global community and to work collectively towards sustainable solutions.“The purpose of the exhibition is to raise public awareness about the severe environmental stress that our beautiful planet is exposed to,” said the UN Resident Coordinator, Stefan Priesner, at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. “While the scope of environmental challenges is extremely concerning, the positive news is that solutions exist, and humanity can tackle the triple planetary crisis. We need stronger commitment and increased resources to guide humanity towards a sustainable future,” he added. The exhibit is open to public 9-17 August 2024, from 16:00-22:00, at Ech Art Gallery (No. 10, Mirza Taraj Alley, Shariati Street, south of Cinema Farhang, Tehran). UNDP together with other UN sister agencies, funds, and programmes, works closely with national and international partners to promote the integration of environment-friendly policies into all sectors. UN and its partners advocate for improved management of natural resources and biodiversity conservation and strive to increase national capacities to address climate action, including through international advocacy for climate finance. Additional Information:The exhibition brochure in English

Tehran, 04 August 2024 – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran in an official ceremony handed over one X-ray Body Scanner. The official event was organized at the Imam Khomeini International Airport, with the presence of representatives from the UNODC Iran, the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) and the Anti-Narcotics Police of the Islamic Republic of Iran. UNODC Iran successfully completed the procurement of three (3) X-ray Body Scanners and installed them in three Iranian international airports, namely Imam Khomeini International Airport, Gorgan International Airport and Ahvaz International Airport. This Office also provided pertinent specialized trainings for end users of each device, under the guidance and supervision of professional technical engineers. Due to its geographic proximity to Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran serves as both a destination and a transit route for illicit drug trafficking, especially opioids and recently methamphetamine produced in Afghanistan. In response to this challenge, the UNODC Iran under its Sub-Programme 1 “Border Management and Illicit Trafficking” continues to support, both technically and financially, the national drug control efforts, through implementation of various activities.  The installation of the X-ray body scanners at the airports aimed at preventing the illegal trafficking of drugs though air border of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The scanners are crucial for efficiently identifying narcotic drugs concealed in body or swallowed.Dr. Mahdi Javaheri, Director General of the International Relations Office of DCHQ, in his statements expressed his gratitude to the UNODC for continuous support extended to the Iranian controlling entities and hoped the support will continue and increase in the future, considering the high demand for provision of controlling equipment, especially X-ray devices.Procurement of controlling equipment is among the main activities of UNODC Iran under its Sub-programme 1 “Border Management and Illicit Trafficking”. This initiative has been incorporated into the UNODC Iran Country Partnership Programme (CPP) based on needs assessments and proposals from national counterparts. This outstanding achievement is an indicator of successful cooperation between UNODC Iran and its national counterparts, also clearly highlights the positive and significant role of UNODC in the process of drug control and border management.***For additional information please contact Sougand Babaei (Ms.)National Programme Assistant, UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of IranTel.: +98 21 88 87 83 77, email: sougand.babaei@un.org

Tehran, 24 July 2024 – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran handed over 4 drug identification devices, procured through generous support by the Japanese Government, in an official ceremony at the premises of the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) in Tehran.These devices which will be used for controlling a wide range of drugs trafficked, especially at eastern borders of Iran with Afghanistan, have been procured under sub-programme 1 of UNODC Country Partnership Programme (CPP) 2023-2026. This official event was organized at the Drug Control Headquarters in Tehran, with the presence of H.E. Ambassador Tamaki Tsukada, Ambassador of Japan in Iran, as the representative of the Government of Japan. Government of Japan has been supporting UNODC Iran activities on Drug Supply Reduction for many years.   H.E. Ambassador Tamaki Tsukada expressed his willingness to support trilateral cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran, UNODC, and the government of Japan. He also commented on the successful achievements of the Islamic Republic of Iran and stated that the level of activities and seizures by Iran, at the frontline of fight against drugs, is very impressive.In his remarks during the official ceremony, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, UNODC Iran Country Representative, expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of Japan, for the financial support given to UNODC activities, and stated that UNODC has established strong relationship with the Government of Iran and is highly aware of the educational and technical requirements of the drug control and law enforcement agencies and is willing to extend required support upon availability of financial support from donor countries. He also referred to UNODC Iran activities in the current year, which include procurement of drug identification devices. He also highlighted the importance of support in equipping drug control entities, considering the increasing trend of trafficking Methamphetamine manufactured in Afghanistan. In this official event, Dr. Mahdi Javaheri, Director General of the International Relations Office of DCHQ expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Ambassador and UNODC Iran Country Representative and referred to the coordinating role of the DCHQ and stated that all entities and organizations under the leadership of the DCHQ are well determined and unified in fight against narcotics, which demands for global support and attention.  ***For additional information please contact Sougand Babaei (Ms.)National Programme Assistant, UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of IranTel.: +98 21 88 87 83 77, email: sougand.babaei@un.org

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in an official ceremony, handed over 10 fully trained drug detecting dogs, specially modified canine trailers and ancillary supplies, procured under generous Japanese fund.The trafficking routes affect many countries in region including Iran. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has established a robust partnership with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, focusing on capacity building for Iranian law enforcement agencies. UNODC provides technical assistance to Iran in its efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and the smuggling of precursor chemicals. As part of these efforts, trained drug-detecting dogs will be deployed at border crossings and checkpoints with Afghanistan to conduct searches on trucks, containers, and cargos, passing through legal entry points. UNODC Iran, also provided training session for the Iranian ANP canine trainers, trained by international senior instructors, to use their knowledge during their daily work at border crossings to conduct search on vehicles, containers and cargos.The official event was organized at the Anti-Narcotics Police (ANP) Drug Detecting Dog centre (SAPKA) in Karaj, with the presence of H.E. Ambassador Tamaki Tsukada, Ambassador of Japan in Iran, as the representative of the Government of Japan, which has been supporting UNODC Iran activities on Drug Supply Reduction in the recent years. These procurements were carried out under Sub-Programme 1 of the UNODC Country Partnership Programme (CPP) 2023-2026. The aim was to enhance the operational capacity of the Iranian Anti-Narcotics Police. The event was organized as part of the activities outlined in the framework of Sub-Programme1, specifically focusing on “Border Management and Illicit Trafficking”. This initiative is supported through generous funds, provided by the Government of Japan. During this ceremony, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, UNODC Country Representative in Iran, acknowledged the significant achievements of the Iranian Anti-Narcotics Police and their drug-detecting dog centre. He expressed readiness to offer further technical and procurement support upon availability of financial support from the donor countries.H.E. Ambassador Tamaki Tsukada also referred to successful achievements of the Islamic Republic of Iran Anti-Narcotics Police and stated that the level of activities and seizures by Iran, at the frontline of fight against drugs, is very impressive. He also mentioned the willingness of the Government of Japan to continue support of the drug control activities in the Islamic Republic of Iran though UNODC Country Office in Iran.  Brigadier General Barin, Deputy Head of the Iranian Anti-Narcotics Police, also acknowledged the technical support and procurements by the UNODC, as well as the generous financial support from the Government of Japan, and stated that as the problem of drugs is a global problem, it demands global efforts and support in order to be able to solve it. Brigadier General Barin further explained that Anti-Narcotics Police canine centre is responsible for considerable amount of the annual seizure of the whole country and use of drug detecting dogs is considered as a convenient method for identification of hidden concealments.                                                                                                    ***For additional information please contact Sougand Babaei (Ms.)National Programme Assistant, UNODC Country Office in the Islamic Republic of IranTel.: +98 21 88 87 83 77, email: sougand.babaei@un.org